Tactile supply device

ABSTRACT

Provided is a tactile sensation supply device for transferring various types of tactile sensations to a user using tactile sensation providers that include magnetic particles. The tactile sensation supply device includes tactile sensation providers made of magnetic particles and a matrix material, and a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field to transform the tactile sensation providers.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a tactile sensation supply device and,more particularly, to a tactile sensation supply device for providingvarious types of tactile sensation to a user by using a material thatincludes magnetic particles and whose shape changes in response to anexternally applied magnetic field.

BACKGROUND ART

Haptics refer to a technology about tactile sensation and, moreparticularly, to a technology for allowing a user of an electronicdevice to feel touch, forces, motion, etc. through a keyboard, a mouse,a joystick, a touchscreen, or the like. Although visual informationaccounted for most of the information exchanges between electronicdevices and people in the past, the haptic technology currently attractsattention with regard to providing more detailed and realisticinformation.

In general, an inertial actuator, a piezoelectric actuator, anelectroactive polymer (EAP) actuator, an electrostatic actuator, etc.are used for the haptic technology. Examples of the inertial actuatorinclude an eccentric motor that vibrates by an eccentric force generatedby the rotation of the motor, and a linear resonant actuator (LRA) thatmaximizes the vibrational intensity by resonant frequencies. Thepiezoelectric actuator is in the shape of a beam or a disk and is drivenby a piezoelectric element whose size or shape changes instantaneouslyin response to an electric field. The EAP actuator generates vibrationby repeated movements of a mass attached to an EAP film. Theelectrostatic actuator is driven by an attractive force generatedbetween two oppositely charged glass sheets and a repulsive forcegenerated when the glass sheets have charges with the same polarity.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2011-0118584 (entitled “Transparentcomposite piezoelectric combined touch sensor and haptic actuator”)discloses conventional haptic devices, and FIG. 1 is a perspective viewof a conventional haptic device.

In the haptic device, a layer configured to serve as a sensor and alayer configured to serve as an actuator may be combined into a singlemodule in the form of a composite piezoelectric actuator/sensor cell.Here, FIG. 1 illustrates the cross section of a composite piezoelectricactuator/sensor cell 5 together with associated electrodes 6. Thecomposite piezoelectric cell 5 includes an array of piezoceramic fibers7 a in a structural adhesive 7 b such as an epoxy material. Each of theelectrodes 6 may be used to send an individual control signal so thateach patch of the fibers 7 a inserted into the structural adhesive 7 bbetween two consecutive electrodes 6 and 6 can be actuated, therebyexerting a localized haptic effect at the corresponding location. Arrows8 indicate how the polarized piezoceramic material expands or contractsin response to an applied electric field, and arrow 9 indicates thepiezoceramic polarization produced by the electrodes 6.

However, the above-described conventional haptic technology is merelyused to provide simple vibration, and therefore has limitations forproviding emotional is tactile sensation or complicated textinformation. Accordingly, research needs to be conducted on a tactilesupply structure capable of effectively providing emotion andcomplicated information as well as simply providing vibration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Technical Problem

The present invention provides a tactile sensation supply device capableof emotionally providing various types of tactile sensations.

The present invention also provides a tactile sensation supply devicecapable of effectively providing not only a simple signal such as analarm but also complicated information such as texts or geometricfigures as tactile information by configuring a tactile unit in the formof at least one cell.

The present invention also provides a tactile sensation supply devicecapable of providing a user with various types of tactile sensationssuch as vibration, brushing, constriction, beating, pressing, tapping ortilting using an external magnetic field, by varying the shape oftactile sensation providers formed of a material that includes magneticparticles.

The present invention also provides a tactile sensation supply devicecapable of providing tactile sensation to the whole or part of anelectronic device and changing the location where the tactile sensationis generated depending on the situation.

The present invention also provides a tactile sensation supply devicethat is applicable to mobile devices, touchscreen devices, gameconsoles, etc. in the information technology (IT) field to providereal-time tactile sensations, applicable to driver assistanceinformation feedback systems such as lane departure warning systems,front crash prevention systems, and overspeed protection systems, etc.in the car industry, and also applicable to pulsimeters, measurement ofthe pressure distribution in human teeth, surgical robots, etc. in themedical field to transfer tactile sensations effectively.

Technical Solution

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided atactile is sensation supply device that includes tactile sensationproviders formed of magnetic particles and a matrix material; and amagnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field in order tochange the shape of the tactile sensation providers.

Advantageous Effects

According to the present invention, various types of tactile sensationsmay be provided emotionally.

Furthermore, by configuring a tactile unit in the form of at least onecell, not only a simple signal such as an alarm but also complicatedinformation such as texts or geometric figures may be effectivelyprovided as tactile information.

In addition, by changing the shape of tactile sensation providers madeof a material that includes magnetic particles in response to anexternal magnetic field, various types of tactile sensations such asvibration, brushing, constriction, beating, pressing, tapping, ortilting, may be provided for a user.

Besides, the tactile sensation providers may provide tactile sensationsto the whole or part of an electronic device and change the locationwhere the tactile sensation is generated depending on the situation.

A tactile sensation supply device according to the present invention maybe applied to mobile devices, touchscreen devices, game consoles, etc.in the information technology (IT) field to provide real-time tactilesensations, applied to driver assistance information feedback systemssuch as lane departure warning systems, front crash prevention systems,and overspeed protection systems, etc. in the car industry, and alsoapplied to pulsimeters, measurement of the pressure distribution inhuman teeth, surgical robots, etc. in the medical field to effectivelyprovide tactile sensations.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional haptic device.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a tactile sensation supply deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates the change of the shape of a tactile sensationprovider in response to an external magnetic field, according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates the change of the shape of the tactile sensationprovider, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates the process of providing a tactile sensation by atactile sensation provider in response to an external magnetic field,according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates the process of providing a tactile sensation by atactile sensation provider in response to an external magnetic field,according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates various shapes of the tactile sensation provider,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the whole tactile sensation supplydevice, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a tactile unit including a plurality ofcells, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a tactile unit having cell barriers, according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a view showing the alignment of coil units of a magneticfield generator, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a view showing the alignment of coil units of a magneticfield generator, according to another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 illustrates the operation process of a tactile sensation supplydevice, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a view showing the structure of a plurality of cellsconfigured as tactile sensation providers, according to a thirdembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a view showing the operation of the plurality of cellsconfigured as the tactile sensation providers, according to the thirdembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a view showing the structure of a plurality of cellsconfigured as tactile sensation providers, according to a fourthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a view showing operation of the plurality of cells configuredas the tactile sensation providers, according to the fourth embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a view showing the structure of a plurality of cellsconfigured as tactile sensation providers, according to a fifthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a view showing operation of the plurality of cells configuredas the tactile sensation providers, according to the fifth embodiment ofthe present invention.

MODE OF THE INVENTION

The configuration and application of embodiments of the presentinvention will now be described in detail with reference to theaccompanying drawings. The following description discloses one ofvarious aspects of the present invention and corresponds to part of thedetailed description of the present invention.

In the following description of the present invention, a detaileddescription of known functions and configurations incorporated hereinwill be omitted when it may make the subject matter of the presentinvention unclear.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail byexplaining embodiments of the invention with reference to the attacheddrawings.

A tactile sensation supply device includes tactile sensation providersformed of magnetic particles and a matrix material, and a magnetic fieldgenerator that is provided under the tactile sensation providers andgenerating a magnetic field to transform the tactile sensationproviders.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a tactile sensation supply deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, a tactile sensation provider 1 (i.e., 10, 20, 30,40, and 50) may include magnetic particles 2, e.g., nano- or micro-scaleiron or ferrite particles, and a matrix material 3, e.g., rubber or apolymeric material. Alternatively, the tactile sensation provider 1 mayinclude a magnetorheological elastomer (MRE). The MRE is an elastomermaterial including particles that are capable of responding to anexternal magnetic field. Since the elastomer material includes magneticparticles that are capable of being magnetized in response to anexternal magnetic field, the characteristics of the MRE, e.g.,stiffness, tensile strength, and elongation rate, may is be changed bythe application of the external magnetic field. The tactile sensationprovider 1 may be in the shape of at least one of a fine projection, apolyhedron such as an empty cylinder and a dome, a plate, a seesaw, anda tunnel.

For example, the magnetic particles 2 may be iron (Fe), cobalt (Co),nickel (Ni), or ferrite particles and, preferably, carbonyl ironparticles. The size of the magnetic particles 2 may range from 0.01 umto 100 um. To maximize the transformation of the tactile sensationprovider 1 by the magnetic field generator 200, it is preferable thatthe magnetic particles 2 in the matrix material 3 have a high saturationmagnetization, a high content, and a large size. The magnetic particles2 are not limited to a specific shape but may be in the shape of asphere, a flake with a high aspect ratio and a magnetic anisotropy, orthe like.

The matrix material 3 preferably has a high elasticity to maximize thetransformation and restoring force of the tactile sensation provider 1.Furthermore, the elongation and tensile strength of the matrix materialmay be adjusted to enhance the durability.

The magnetic field generator 200 is provided above or under the tactilesensation provider 1 and generates a magnetic field, to which themagnetic particles 2 in the tactile sensation provider 1 respond. Atleast one of a planar coil and a solenoid coil is used as the magneticfield generator 200, which generates an alternating-current (AC)magnetic field when an alternating current having a size and shapecorresponding to the tactile sensation provider 1 is applied andgenerates a direct-current (DC) magnetic field when a direct current isapplied. Particularly, FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the magneticfield lines of the magnetic field that is generated by the magneticfield generator 200.

The magnetic field generator 200 has a location and shape correspondingto the tactile sensation provider 1. The shape of the tactile sensationprovider 1 may be changed in response to the magnetic field generated bythe magnetic field to generator 200, and tactile sensations may betransferred through the transformation of the tactile sensation provider1. Here, the tactile sensation may be at least one of vibration,brushing, constriction, beating, pressing, tapping, and tilting.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the transformation of the tactile sensationprovider 1, according to embodiments of the present invention.

The tactile sensation provider 1 may be transformed to form differentshapes depending on the influence of an external magnetic field.

Referring to (a) of FIG. 3, when a plurality of tactile sensationproviders 1 is not influenced by an external magnetic field (Off State),in other words, when a magnetic field is not generated by a coil unit210 (see FIG. 8), which is described below, of the magnetic fieldgenerator 200, the plurality of tactile sensation providers 1 may have afirst shape 10 a.

Referring to (b) of FIG. 3, when part of the plurality of tactilesensation providers 1 is influenced by an external magnetic field (LocalOn State), in other words, when a magnetic field is generated by thecoil unit 210 (see FIG. 8), which is described below, of the magneticfield generator 200, the part of the plurality of tactile sensationproviders 1 may have a second shape 10 b.

FIG. 4 specifically shows the shapes of the magnetic particles 2 and thematrix material 3 of the tactile sensation provider 1 depending onwhether or not a magnetic field is generated by the magnetic fieldgenerator 200.

Here, State A is a state in which electric current is not applied to themagnetic field generator 200 (i.e., a state in which no magnetic fieldis generated), and shows an initial shape (a first shape) of the tactilesensation provider 1. State B is a state in which electric current isapplied to the magnetic field generator 200 (i.e., a state in which amagnetic field is generated), and shows a transformed shape (a secondshape) in which the tactile sensation provider 1 is bent upward ordownward in response to the magnetic field. The transformation from thefirst shape to the second shape may be repeated to produce areciprocating motion, thereby transferring vibrational sensations.

State A of FIG. 4 may correspond to the state of (a) of FIG. 3, andState B of FIG. 4 may correspond to the state of (b) of FIG. 3.Likewise, the reciprocating motion from the first shape 10 a to thesecond shape 10 b may be equally implemented by applying a directcurrent or an alternating current with a certain frequency to themagnetic field generator 200 to switch on/off the magnetic fieldgenerator 200. The shape of the tactile sensation provider 1 may bechanged when the magnetic particles 2 of the tactile sensation provider1 are magnetized by or respond to a magnetic field generated by themagnetic field generator 200.

Hereinafter, modifications of the shape of the tactile sensationprovider 1 according to embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed in detail.

FIG. 5 illustrates the process of providing a tactile sensation by atactile sensation provider 10 in response to an external magnetic field,according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6illustrates the process of providing a tactile sensation by a tactilesensation provider 20 in response to an external magnetic field,according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7illustrates various shapes of the tactile sensation provider 1,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the tactile sensation provider 1 may be in theshape of a fine projection 10. The thickness of the fine projection 10may be equal to or smaller than about 25 μm, similar to the fleece of asheep, or may be equal to or smaller than about 100 μm, similar to humanhair, to provide tactile sensations precisely and emotionally.

As shown in (a) of FIG. 5, when not influenced by an external magneticfield, the fine projection 10 may remain slightly inclined (or the firstshape 10 a). Alternatively, the fine projection 10 may remain straightand vertical without inclination. Then, as shown in (b) of FIG. 5, wheninfluenced by an external magnetic field, the fine projection 10 mayremain further inclined or even horizontal (or the second shape 10 b).Then, as shown in (c) and (d) of FIG. 5, when not affected by theexternal magnetic field after the application of the magnetic field isceased, the fine projection 10 may return from the second shape 10 b tothe first shape 10 a and produce a reciprocating motion 10 c and 10 d byits own elastic force (or restoring force). Accordingly, a tactilesensation similar to brushing or tickling may be transferred by the fineprojection 10 moving in the reciprocating motion 10 c and 10 d.

Referring to FIG. 6, the tactile sensation provider 1 may be in theshape of an empty cylinder 20, a dome or a polyhedron 20′ (see (b) ofFIG. 7). (a) of FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the tactile sensationprovider 1 in the shape of the cylinder 20, and (b) of FIG. 6 is avertical cross-sectional view of the tactile sensation provider 1 in theshape of the cylinder 20.

When not influenced by an external magnetic field, the empty cylinder 20may have a top surface 21, which is flat (or a first shape 20 a) asindicated by {circle around (1)}. Then, is when influenced by anexternal magnetic field, the top surface 21 of the cylinder 20 maysubside into the empty internal space (or a second shape 20 b) asindicated by {circle around (2)}. Then, when not affected by theexternal magnetic field after the application of the magnetic field isceased, the cylinder 20 may return from the second shape 20 b to thefirst shape 20 a and produce a reciprocating motion 20 c and 20 d by itsown elastic force (or restoring force), as indicated by {circle around(3)} and {circle around (4)}. Accordingly, a tactile sensation similarto tapping may be transferred by the top surface 21 moving in thereciprocating motion 20 c and 20 d.

At least one of the degree (amount), direction, and frequency of thetransformation from the first shape 10 a or 20 a to the second shape 10b or 20 b of the tactile sensation provider 1 can be controlled bycontrolling at least one of the intensity, direction and frequency of amagnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 200. Forexample, if a stronger magnetic field is applied, the fine projections10 will be inclined more or the top surface 21 of the cylinder 20 willsubside more, thereby transferring stronger tactile sensations.Furthermore, if the frequency of the magnetic field is changed, thespeed of transformation of the fine projections 10 or the cylinder 20from the first shape 10 a or 20 a to the second shape 10 b or 20 b andthen back to the first shape 10 a or 20 a also changes, therebytransferring various types of tactile sensations.

Referring to FIG. 7, the tactile sensation provider 1 may be in theshape of the fine projection 10, the empty cylinder 20, a dome, thepolyhedron 20′, or various combinations thereof.

(1) (a) of FIG. 7 shows the empty cylinder 20, (2) (b) of FIG. 7 showsan empty hexahedron 20′ (or polyhedron 20′), (3) (c) of FIG. 7 shows theempty cylinder 20 with a top surface wherein micro-holes 25 areprovided, capable of increasing the durability of the tactile sensationprovider 1 by allowing air to smoothly enter and exit through themicro-holes 25 while the top surface moves in the reciprocating motion20 c and 20 d of FIG. 6, (4) (d) of FIG. 7 shows a combined shape of thefine projections 10 and the empty cylinder 20, (5) (e) of FIG. 7 shows ashape identical to the shape of (d) of FIG. 7, except that a pluralityof micro-holes 25 are provided in the top surface of the cylinder 20,(6) (f) of FIG. 7 shows a shape identical to the shape of is (c) of FIG.7, except that a plurality of micro-holes 25 are provided, (7) (g) ofFIG. 7 shows the empty cylinder 20 with a top surface wherein variousstructures 26 (e.g., empty cylinders smaller than the cylinder 20) arecombined, and (8) (h) of FIG. 7 shows the empty cylinder 20 with a topsurface wherein dome-shaped embossed structures 27 are provided.

As described above, according to the present invention, various types oftactile sensations such as brushing, tickling, tapping, etc. may betransferred in multiple ways by configuring the tactile sensationprovider 1 in various shapes.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the whole tactile sensation supplydevice, according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9is a perspective view of a tactile unit 100 including a plurality ofcells 110, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, the tactile sensation supply device according to anembodiment of the present invention includes the tactile unit 100 andthe magnetic field generator 200 and the tactile unit 100 includes atleast one tactile sensation provider 1.

The tactile unit 100 is a part that actually contacts a user of thetactile sensation supply device and transfer tactile sensations. Thetactile unit 100 may include at least one cell 110. The size of the cell110 may be appropriately determined in consideration of the size of thetactile unit 100, the resolution of tactile sensation to be transferred,etc.

The cell 110 may include at least one tactile sensation provider 1. Thecell 110 may include one or more types of the tactile sensation provider1. As shown in FIG. 9, each cell 110 may include various types of thetactile sensation providers 1, e.g., the fine projections 10 and theempty cylinders 20.

The magnetic field generator 200 may generate a magnetic field andinclude at least one coil unit 210. It is preferable that the magneticfield generator 200 is to provided under the tactile unit 100 and eachcoil unit 210 (or each cell 110′ including the coil unit 210)corresponds to each cell 110 of the tactile unit 100. However, themagnetic field generator 200 may be provided at locations other thanunder the tactile unit 100 as long as it is within a range in which eachcoil unit 210 can apply a magnetic field to its corresponding cell 110.

FIG. 10 illustrates the tactile unit 100 having cell barriers 120,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, the cell barriers 120 may be provided on thetactile unit 100. The cell barriers 120 may be provided along theperimeters of the cells 110 and serves to protect the tactile sensationproviders 1. It is preferable that the cell barriers 120 have a heightlower than that of the tactile sensation providers 1 such that thetactile sensation providers 1 are protected and efficiently transfertactile information at the same time.

For example, assuming that the tactile unit 100 is configured as thecells 110 having the fine projections 10, a user of the tactilesensation supply device may press the fine projections 10 too hard whilethe user receives tactile information. In this case, it is problematicthat the fine projections 10 may be left flat and therefore broken orthe durability of the fine projections 10 may be deteriorated.Accordingly, if the cell barriers 120 have a height lower than theheight of the fine projections 10, even when the user presses the fineprojections 10 hard, the fine projections 10 may be prevented from beingleft flat and therefore protected. In addition, since the fineprojections 10 may move as high as at least the height of the cellbarriers 120, tactile information may be sufficiently transferred to theuser's skin.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 9, when the cells 110 include the fineprojections 10 and the empty hexahedrons 20 or when one cell 110includes a combination of the fine projections 10 and the emptyhexahedron 20, the empty hexahedrons 20 may have a height lower thanthat of the fine projections 10 and therefore serve in a similar manneras the cell barriers 120 do, without the cell barriers 120.

FIG. 11 is a view showing the alignment of the coil units 210, accordingto an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a view showingthe alignment of the coil units 210: 211 and 212 according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11, the tactile sensation supply device according toan embodiment of the present invention may include the tactile unit 100having a plurality of cells 110 in a 3×3 matrix, and the magnetic fieldgenerator 200 having a plurality of coil units 210 in a 3×3 matrix. Thecells 110 and the coil units 210 in a range L1 may correspond to eachother, and therefore the number of the cells 110 and the number of coilunits 210 are the same. The coil units 210 may be provided as a singlelayer (e.g., FIG. 11) or multiple layers (e.g., FIG. 12) in the magneticfield generator 200. Each cell 110 of the tactile unit 100 may include aplurality of fine projections 10 in a 3×3 matrix.

In the tactile sensation supply device of FIG. 11, when a magnetic fieldis generated by one coil unit 210, at least one fine projections 10provided on a cell 110 that corresponds to the coil unit 210 may betransformed from the first shape 10 a to the second shape 10 b. When themagnetic field generated by the coil unit 210 is dissipated, the fineprojections 10 on the cell 110 corresponding to the coil unit 210 returnfrom the second shape 10 b to the first shape 10 a.

Referring to FIG. 12, the tactile sensation supply device according toanother embodiment of the present invention may include the coil units210 provided as multiple layers 211 and 212 in the magnetic fieldgenerator 200. The cells 111 in a 3×3 matrix and the coil units in a 3×3matrix within a virtual range L1 indicated by a solid line maycorrespond to each other, and the cells 112 in a 3×3 matrix and the coilunits 212 in a 3×3 matrix within a virtual range L2 indicated by adashed line may correspond to each other. The fine projections 10 in a3×3 matrix may be provided on each cell 110 of the tactile unit 100.

In the tactile sensation supply device of FIG. 12, the coil units 211may transform the shape of the fine projections 10 on the cells 111within the virtual range L1 indicated by the solid line, and the coilunits 212 may transform the shape of the fine projections 10 on thecells 112 within the virtual range L2 indicated by the dashed line.Therefore, the fine projections 10 in both the ranges L1 and L2 may betransformed by a plurality of coil units 211 and 212 and thereforefurther fine-tuned. As such, compared with the tactile sensation supplydevice of FIG. 11, a higher resolution may be achieved and more detailedtactile information may be provided easily.

FIG. 13 illustrates the operation process of a tactile sensation supplydevice, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to (a) of FIG. 13, magnetic fields are not yet applied tocells A1 to C3 on the tactile unit 100. Accordingly, all the fineprojections 10 on the tactile unit 100 may maintain the first shape 10a.

Referring to (b) of FIG. 13, magnetic fields are applied to cells A1 toC3 on the tactile unit 100 and therefore all the fine projections 10 onthe tactile unit 100 may maintained the second shape 10 b.

Referring to (c) of FIG. 13, when only the magnetic field applied by thecoil unit 210 positioned corresponding to cell A1 is ceased, only thefine projections 10 on cell A1 may return to the first shape 10 a andproduce the reciprocating motion 10 c and 10 d by their own elasticforce (or restoring force).

Referring to (d) of FIG. 13, when only the magnetic field applied by thecoil unit 210 positioned corresponding to cell A2 is ceased, only thefine projections 10 on cell A2 may return to the first shape 10 a andproduce the reciprocating motion 10 c and 10 d by their own elasticforce (or restoring force). The reciprocating motion of the fineprojections 10 on cell A1 may be weakened compared to that of the fineprojections 10 on cell A2.

Referring to (e) of FIG. 13, when only the magnetic field applied by thecoil unit 210 positioned corresponding to cell A3 is ceased, only thefine projections 10 on cell A3 may return to the first shape 10 a andproduce the reciprocating motion 10 c and 10 d by their own elasticforce (or restoring force). The reciprocating motion of the fineprojections 10 on cell A2 may be weakened compared to that of the fineprojections 10 on cell A3. At the same time, a magnetic field may beapplied again by the coil unit 210 positioned corresponding to cell A1such that the fine projections 10 on cell A1 may maintain the secondshape 10 b.

If the application of magnetic fields are sequentially done and ceasedto cells A1 and C3 as described above, the fine projections 10 on cellsA1 to C3 may be transformed from the first shape 10 a to the secondshape 10 b and then produce the reciprocating motion 10 c and 10 d whilereturning from the second shape 10 b to the first shape 10 a, therebyproviding the user of the tactile sensation supply device with tactileinformation that is transferred sequentially from cell A1 to cell C3.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the structure of a plurality ofcells configured as tactile sensation providers 1 (i.e., 30), accordingto a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is across-sectional view showing the operation of the plurality of cellsconfigured as the tactile sensation providers 1, according to the thirdembodiment of the present invention.

In a tactile sensation supply device according to the third embodiment,a plurality of tactile sensation providers 1 and supporters 31 maydefine at least one cell, a plurality of cells may be disposed on aninsulator 130 at equal distances from each other, and a plurality ofcoil units 210 of the magnetic field generator 200 as a single layer ormultiple layers 211 and 212 may be disposed under the insulator 130 in ashape and at a location corresponding to the cells.

Here, supporters 31 and 41 (see FIGS. 14 to 17) may be understood to becomponents provided between the tactile sensation providers 1 (i.e., 30and 40) and the magnetic field generator 200 to ensure operating spacefor the tactile sensation providers 1. The supporters 31 and 41 may beMREs and have at least one of a curved shape and a wave shape.

The tactile sensation providers 1 according to the third embodiment havea plate shape 30. The supporters 31 are formed integrally with thetactile sensation providers 1 on each side of the tactile sensationproviders 1 and have a curved shape. The supporters 31 are disposedbetween the insulator 130 and the tactile sensation providers 1 andensure operating space for the tactile sensation providers 1 or thesupporters 31. For example, the tactile sensation providers 1 and thesupporters 31 may move up and down and produce a reciprocating motioninvolving a change in shape in the operating space in response to amagnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 200. The changein shape may cause the movement of one or all the cells, therebytransferring tactile sensations such as tapping to a user. Here, thetactile sensation provider 1 may be in the shape of a plurality oflaminated leaf spring rather than the plate shape.

Accordingly, at least one cell may respond to the magnetic field,thereby transferring various types of tactile sensations such asvibration, beating, and tapping to the user.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the structure of a plurality ofcells configured as tactile sensation providers 1 (i.e., 40), accordingto a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17 is across-sectional view showing the operation of the plurality of cellsconfigured as the tactile sensation providers 1, according to the fourthembodiment of the present invention.

In a tactile sensation supply device according to the fourth embodiment,a is plurality of tactile sensation providers 1 and supporters 41 maydefine at least one cell, a plurality of cells may be disposed on theinsulator 130 at equal distances from each other, and a plurality ofcoil units 210 of the magnetic field generator 200 as a single layer ormultiple layers 211 and 212 may be disposed under the insulator 130 in ashape and at a location corresponding to the cells.

Here, the tactile sensation providers 1 according to the fourthembodiment have a plate shape 40. The supporters 41 are formedintegrally with the tactile sensation providers 1 on each side of thetactile sensation providers 1 and have a wave shape. The supporters 41are disposed between the insulator 130 and the tactile sensationproviders 1, and ensure operating space for the tactile sensationproviders 1. For example, when a magnetic field is generated by themagnetic field generator 200, the supporters 41 made of an MRE may betransformed and one end of the tactile sensation provider 1 may tilttoward the center of the magnetic field generator 200. When no magneticfield is generated by the magnetic field generator 200, the supporters41 may return to the original shape by their own elastic force. That is,by applying a magnetic field to one or all the cells, various types oftactile sensations such as vibration, beating, tapping, and tilting maybe transferred to a user.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the structure of a plurality ofcells configured as tactile sensation providers 1 (i.e., 50), accordingto a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 19 is across-sectional view showing the operation of the plurality of cellsconfigured as the tactile sensation providers 1, according to the fifthembodiment of the present invention.

In a tactile sensation supply device according to the fifth embodiment,a plurality of tactile sensation providers 1 may define at least onecell, a plurality of cells may be disposed on the insulator 130 at equaldistances from each other. Furthermore, a plurality of coil units 210 ofthe magnetic field generator 200 as a single layer or multiple layers211 and 212 may be disposed under the insulator 130 in shapes and atlocations corresponding to the cells.

Here, the tactile sensation providers 1 according to the fifthembodiment have a tunnel shape 50 and have internal oval spaces. Forexample, when a magnetic field is generated by the magnetic fieldgenerator 200, the tactile sensation providers 1 made of an MRE may betransformed and one end of the tactile sensation provider 1 may movetoward the center of the magnetic field generator 200. When no magneticfield is generated by the magnetic field generator 200, the tactilesensation providers 1 may return to the original shape by their ownelastic force. That is, by applying a magnetic field to one or all thecells, various types of tactile sensations such as pinching andconstriction may be transferred to a user.

Although the tactile sensation providers 1 are made of a materialincluding the magnetic particles 2, a representative example of which isa magnetorheological elastomer (MRE), in the above description, thetactile sensation providers 1 may also be made of an electrorheologicalelastomer (ERE) and may operate equivalently by applying an externalelectric field by an electric field generator instead of the magneticfield generator 200.

As described above, the tactile sensation supply device according to thepresent invention may emotionally provide various types of tactilesensations using various types of the tactile sensation providers 1.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, by configuring thetactile unit 100 in the form of the cells 110, not only a simplevibration signal such as an alarm but also complicated information suchas texts or geometric figures may be provided as tactile information. Inaddition, information such as text may be transferred to a location thatcontacts a user's skin, thereby effectively transferring secretinformation that is to be protected.

When the above-described tactile sensation supply device is applied invarious electronic devices including a touchscreen, the tactilesensation supply device as a vibration source may provide hapticfeedback to user input, be thinner and more flexible than conventionalvibration motors, and achieve excellent durability and low pricescompared to conventional piezoelectric or electroactive polymer(EAP)-based vibrators.

With the above-described arrangements, the tactile sensation providers 1may be transformed to have various shapes and, in response to theapplication of an external magnetic field, transfer various types oftactile sensations such as vibration, brushing, constriction, beating,pressing, tapping, and tilting to a user. Furthermore, the tactilesensation providers 1 may transfer tactile sensations to the whole orpart of is an electronic device and change the location where thetactile sensations are generated depending on the situation. Inaddition, the tactile sensation providers 1 may be applied to mobiledevices, touchscreen devices, game consoles, etc. in the informationtechnology (IT) field to provide real-time tactile sensations, appliedto driver assistance information feedback systems such as lane departurewarning systems, front crash prevention systems, and overspeedprotection systems, etc. in the car industry, and also applied topulsimeters, measurement of the pressure distribution in human teeth,surgical robots, etc. in the medical field to transfer tactilesensations effectively.

As described above, although the present invention has been describedthrough the specific matters such as detailed elements, the limitedembodiments, and the drawings, they are provided to help overallcomprehension of the present invention, and the present invention is notlimited to the above-described embodiments. It is obvious to thoseskilled in the art to which the present invention pertains that variouschanges and modifications can be made from such descriptions asdescribed above.

Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention should not belimited or determined by the above-described embodiments, and it shouldbe noted that not only the claims which will be described below but alsotheir equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A tactile sensation supply devicecomprising: a plurality of tactile sensation providers made of magneticparticles and a matrix material; and a magnetic field generator forgenerating a magnetic field to transform the plurality of tactilesensation providers, wherein the plurality of tactile sensationproviders maintains a first shape when not influenced by a magneticfield, wherein the plurality of tactile sensation providers maintains asecond shape when influenced by a magnetic field, wherein the pluralityof tactile sensation providers returns from the second shape to thefirst shape and produces a reciprocating motion by elastic force,thereby transferring a tactile sensation, and wherein the plurality oftactile sensation providers is in the shape of at least one of a fineprojection, an empty cylinder, a dome, a polyhedron, a plate, a leafspring, a seesaw and a tunnel.
 2. The tactile sensation supply device ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of tactile sensation providers is made ofa magnetorheological elastomer (MRE).
 3. The tactile sensation supplydevice of claim 1, wherein the magnetic field generator is at least oneof a planar coil and a solenoid coil.
 4. The tactile sensation supplydevice of claim 1, further comprising a supporter disposed between theplurality of tactile sensation providers and the magnetic fieldgenerator to ensure a space for the transformation of the plurality oftactile sensation providers.
 5. The tactile sensation supply device ofclaim 4, wherein the supporter is made of an MRE and has at least one ofa curved shape and a wave shape.
 6. The tactile sensation supply deviceof claim 1, further comprising a tactile unit that contacts a user,wherein at least one of the plurality of tactile sensation providers isconnected to the tactile unit.
 7. The tactile sensation supply device ofclaim 6, wherein the tactile unit includes at least one cell, andwherein the magnetic field generator is disposed under the tactile unit.8. The tactile sensation supply device of claim 7, wherein the magneticfield generator includes at least one coil unit that corresponds to thecell.
 9. The tactile sensation supply device of claim 8, wherein thecoil unit is disposed as multiple layers that overlap each other. 10.The tactile sensation supply device of claim 9, wherein the tactilesensation includes at least one of vibration, brushing, constriction,beating, pressing, tapping and tilting.
 11. The tactile sensation supplydevice of claim 6, wherein the tactile unit further includes a cellbarrier having a height lower than a height of the plurality of tactilesensation providers and provided along the perimeter of the cell. 12.The tactile sensation supply device of claim 1, wherein the magneticfield generator is at a location and in a shape corresponding to theplurality of the tactile sensation providers, wherein the plurality oftactile sensation providers is transformed in response to a magneticfield generated by the magnetic field generator, and wherein a tactilesensation is transferred by the transformation of the plurality oftactile sensation providers.
 13. The tactile sensation supply device ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the degree, direction, and frequency ofthe transformation from the first shape to the second shape iscontrolled by controlling at least one of the intensity, direction, andfrequency of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic fieldgenerator.
 14. The tactile sensation supply device of claim 1, whereinthe magnetic particles includes at least one of iron (Fe), cobalt (Co)and nickel (Ni).
 15. The tactile sensation supply device of claim 1,wherein the matrix material is made of rubber or a polymer.